NJIT Ranked #1 Public University in NJ for Value, Salary in WSJ's '2026 Best Colleges'

Published: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is the top public university in New Jersey for both value and alumni salary outcomes, according to the newly released Wall Street Journal/Statista “2026 Best Colleges” rankings.

NJIT achieved strong placement in categories that highlight return on investment and long-term success:

  • No.1 for Best Salary among public institutions in New Jersey
  • No. 25 for Best Salary among all universities nationally
  • No.1 for Best Value among public institutions in New Jersey
  • No. 42 for Best Value among all universities nationally

“These results validate NJIT’s mission to provide an excellent education that is both affordable and impactful,” said NJIT President Teik C. Lim. “Our graduates are excelling in their careers, and we are dedicated to fostering opportunity and mobility for students from all backgrounds.”

Among public institutions, NJIT ranks No. 39 nationally in the overall Best Colleges list, and No. 49 among all institutions in Social Mobility, underscoring its strength in accessibility, value and outcomes. The results draw on measures such as graduate earnings, debt repayment, and completion rates, as well as surveys of more than 100,000 students and alumni about their educational experiences and career preparation.

The WSJ/Statista “Best Colleges” ranking also considers the quality of the learning environment — including teaching, career preparation and facilities — along with measures of diversity and inclusion.

Record of Excellence

This latest recognition continues a trend of strong national placements for NJIT. Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report ranked NJIT No. 80 among national universities. Money named NJIT the top public university in New Jersey for overall value, while The Princeton Review has included NJIT as a “Best College” since 1992. NJIT has also been recognized in the Carnegie Classifications for its impact in advancing both research and student access.

Together, these honors reflect the university’s dual commitment to high-impact research and broad accessibility, affirming its reputation as one of the nation’s premier public polytechnic institutions and a national leader in return on investment.